York: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Audio Guide & Flexible Stops

Summary

See York’s Roman walls, Viking stories & city life from the open-top bus

You’ll feel York’s layers unfold as you ride the open-top bus—hop off at Clifford’s Tower or York Minster when curiosity strikes, listen to stories in your language with included headphones, and set your own pace across Roman streets and Viking echoes. It’s easygoing but full of little surprises—just bring your sense of wonder (and maybe a scarf).

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the wind felt a bit sharper up top on the double-decker, but you get this wide-open view of York that you just can’t from street level. We started near Exhibition Square—there were a couple of students waiting for the same bus, chatting in that half-whispered way people do when they’re not quite awake yet. The driver gave us a nod (I’m convinced every Yorkshire driver has that same dry sense of humor) and we set off past Monk Bar. I fiddled with the headphones for the audio commentary—didn’t expect to actually learn something about Romans and Vikings before my first coffee, but here we are.

I liked being able to hop off whenever something caught my eye. At Clifford’s Tower I got out mostly because it looked dramatic against the grey sky, but also because I wanted to stretch my legs. There’s this faint smell of damp stone there, not unpleasant. Some local kids were daring each other to run up the hill faster than their parents. After wandering for a bit (and nearly getting lost in a side street), I got back on and listened to a bit more about York Minster—honestly, hearing about its old stained glass while actually seeing it through the open roof is pretty cool. The whole day trip around York felt unhurried; you just sort of drift from place to place.

At one point, an older couple next to me started debating whether Barley Hall was haunted or just drafty (their conclusion: both). The audio guide switched languages automatically when someone pressed the wrong button—suddenly we were all listening in Spanish for a minute until someone figured it out. Nobody seemed to mind much; everyone just laughed and shrugged it off. That’s kind of how this hop-on hop-off bus tour works—you go at your own pace, make little mistakes, see what you want.

By late afternoon, I’d seen so much—the city walls, Museum Gardens (well, almost; that stop was closed), even glimpses of chocolate shops near The Shambles—and still felt like there was more left if I’d had another day. Sometimes travel is about ticking boxes but here it felt more like collecting small moments—like watching sunlight hit old brick or catching a whiff of rain on cobblestones. I still think about that view from the top deck as we crossed over the river; not perfect weather but somehow exactly right for York.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore York via hop-on hop-off bus

• Start hop-on hop-off bus tour
• Listen to audio commentary
• Visit Exhibition Square
• Stop at Gillygate
• Explore Monk Bar
• See Foss Bank
• Visit Peasholme Green
• Stop at The Stonebow
• Explore Clifford's Tower
• Visit Margaret Street
• Stop at Walmgate Bar
• See York Barbican
• Visit Fishergate
• Explore Bishopthorpe Road Shops
• Stop at Bishopthorpe Road
• See South Bank
• Visit Campleshon Road
• Stop at Blossom Street
• Explore The Mount
• Visit Mount Vale
• Stop at Railway Station
• See Memorial Gardens
• Visit Museum Gardens
• Enjoy panoramic views from open-top deck

Top questions

How long is the York hop-on hop-off bus tour?

The full loop takes about 60 minutes if you stay on board without hopping off.

Where does the York sightseeing bus start?

The tour starts daily from Stop 1 at Exhibition Square in central York.

Is there an audio guide on the York bus tour?

Yes, there is an audio commentary available in 10 languages plus a kids’ version; free headphones are included.

Can I use a stroller or wheelchair on this tour?

The buses are wheelchair accessible and infants or small children can ride in prams or strollers.

How often do buses run during winter?

Buses run every 30 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes on weekends during winter months.

What attractions can I visit using this ticket?

You can hop off near sites like Clifford's Tower, Monk Bar, Museum Gardens (currently closed), York Minster, Jorvik Viking Centre, and more.

Does my ticket include any discounts?

Your ticket comes with a discount booklet offering deals at local eateries, attractions and shops around York.

How long is my voucher valid for?

Your voucher is valid for 12 months from your selected travel date at checkout.

What’s included

Your day includes unlimited hop-on hop-off access around York for 24 hours with stops near major sights like Clifford’s Tower and Exhibition Square; an onboard audio guide in 10 languages plus kids’ commentary with free headphones; a discount booklet for local spots; wheelchair access; and vouchers valid up to 12 months after booking—just show up at any stop when you’re ready to start exploring.